The American Psychiatric Association defines an antisocial personality disorder (also known as ASPD) as “a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood" (APA ,1994). A person suffering from ASPD is usually impulsive, aggressive, deceitful, and has a lack remorse for their actions. These people are often described as “sociopaths” and “psychopaths,” however these terms are not completely synonymous with ASPD. ASPD is three times more likely to occur in males than females (AMN, 2006), and is more common in people who suffer form addictions to drugs and alcohol. ASPD can only be diagnosed in adulthood, but there are some behavioral markers to look for in children such as animal abuse and pyromania (MacDonald, 1983).
Click here for a list of symptoms and possible treatment of ASPD.
In the movie White Oleander Astrid’s mother Ingrid clearly suffers from ASPD. There are many instances throughout the movie where this is apparent; however there is one scene in particular where is very clear. When Astrid visits her mother in prison Ingrid shows no remorse for killing Barry and only goes on about how love is hopeless and that Astrid and her can only depend on each other. This not only shows how Ingrid does not feel guilty for her actions but also her clear deceit of her daughter in hopes of keeping her from forming relations with her foster family.
"Don't attach yourself to anyone who shows you the least bit of attention because you're lonely. Loneliness is the human condition. No one is ever going to fill that space. The best you can do is know yourself... know what you want." -Ingrid
Astrid’s second foster mother Claire commits suicide as a result of her severe depression. I believe Claire suffered form Dysthymic Disorder, a form of depression, which causes the person to suffer from constant low self-esteem, abnormal sleeping patterns, and an inability to make decisions.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. There are biological and psychological factors that contribute to a person committing suicide. Suicide has been linked genetically, but also can be a result of low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (Ryding, 2006). Psychologically suicide is linked to severe depression, trauma (such as sexual abuse), and overloading levels of stress. Substance abuse is also associated with suicide.
Dysthymic Disorder is a form of chronic depression. The individual suffering is in a depressed most days for periods of more than two years. The disorder does not have a major depressive episode, more of a constant depressed mood. There are six symptoms linked with the disorder; poor appetite or overeating, sleep problems, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness (Ryder, Schuller, & Bagby, 2006).
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